Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

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A warning prickle ran down my spine. Thaddeus was ambitious and calculating–not the type to speak without purpose.

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“We’ve been attending these assemblies for years now,” he continued, his gaze sweeping the room before landing squarely on me. “And I can’t help but notice the continued absence of our Luna Queen. The other alphas and I have been… patient… but surely the kingdom requires a royal mate to ensure proper succession and political stability?”

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The hall fell silent except for the soft crackling of torches. Every wolf present understood they were witnessing either a calculated power play or spectacular political suicide.

My temper, already frayed by days of sleepless nights and futile searching, snapped like an overstressed chain.

*Really?” I said, my voice dropping to the dangerous register that made seasoned warriors step back. “You’re choosing now to question my personal affairs? You think this is the time to test my patience?”

I rose slowly, letting my full presence wash over the room like a predator asserting dominance. “Let me make something perfectly clear, Thaddeus. I don’t need a fucking queen to rule this kingdom. My strength alone has kept peace in these lands while other territories tear

themselves apart in civil wars.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as my Alpha aura pressed against every wolf present. Lesser alphas unconsciously lowered their heads, while even the major pack leaders shifted uncomfortably.

“But since you seem so concerned about my marital status,” I continued, my smile sharp enough to cut glass, “perhaps you’d like to contribute to a solution?” My gaze shifted deliberately to Thaddeus’s luna, a competent–looking she–wolf who had gone pale at the sudden attention. “Your mate appears quite capable. Maybe she’d be interested in a career change?”

Thaddeus’s face went rigid with rage, his hands clenching into fists on the table surface. For a moment, violence hung in the air like smoke. Then his luna placed a calming hand on his arm, her political instincts overriding personal offense.

“Alpha King,” she said quietly, “my mate spoke only from concern for the kingdom’s futu We meant no disrespect.”

Thaddeus’s jaw worked furiously, but he slowly sank back into his chair. Smart wolf, knowing when he was outmatched.

“Good,” I said, settling back into my throne with predatory satisfaction. “Anyone else have opinions about my personal life they’d like to

share?”

The silence that followed was absolute.

Elder Greystone cleared his throat diplomatically. “If there are no further matters, this assembly is concluded.” He gathered his papers with practiced efficiency before approaching my chair with the attendance ledger. “Your review, Alpha King.”

I scanned the list with idle interest as the major alphas filed out, most avoiding eye contact after the display of dominance they’d just

witnessed. One entry caught my attention.

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10:28 Mon, Jan 12

Chapter 25

“The Heartwood Pack, Alpha Liana Moonwhisper–absent. Fifth consecutive absence.”

I snorted with amusement. “Five meetings, five absences? That’s actually impressive consistency.”

Elder Greystone chuckled, seemingly relieved to move past the earlier tension. “A peculiar little pack, that one. They pay their taxes

religiously and send gifts with their regrets, but Alpha Moonwhisper has never once attended a formal gathering.”

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“What excuses do they give?” Frost asked, moving to read over my shoulder.

“Oh, the usual catalog of minor emergencies,” Greystone replied with evident amusement. “Last time it was a ‘migration of aggressive bees

threatening pack safety. Before that, ‘sudden outbreak of rebellious squirrels. They’re quite creative, actually.”

I shook my head, dismissing the topic. Some backwoods alpha with delusions of autonomy wasn’t worth my attention when I had more

pressing concerns.

Alpha King,” Elder Greystone’s tone grew serious as the hall emptied around us. “About Alpha Thaddeus’s comments… Perhaps there’s

wisdom in his concerns. The other territories do expect-”

Christ, not this again. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes.

“Elder, please,” Frost interrupted smoothly, shooting me a meaningful look that bordered on smug. “There’s no need to worry about the Alpha King’s luna situation.” His tone turned slightly teasing. “I have complete faith that the Moon Goddess knows exactly what she’s doing her timing has always been… impeccable.”